The Kikumarus Who'd Been Seen Through

"So what? You're not here to ask me to pay for your racket, are you?"

Although Horio was surprised by his Old Man's insight, he didn't think much of communicating with him.

"I was just checking out what kind of person you are. Besides, you've already compensated me."

After saying that, Old Man turned and walked towards the arena, waving the drink in his hand.

Looking at his Old Man had already walked away, Horio's eyes revealed a somewhat unreadable expression.

"It seems the old saying is true: people become more cunning with age."

"Seigaku scores, score 3:0"

"Only 3-0? I thought it was over."

Horio returned to the court when the score in doubles match 1 reached 3-0.

Seeing that the doubles match was still going on, I thought I had come back too early.

"Horio, why are you only just getting back? Fuji- Senpai and Kikumaru- Senpai just scored three points in a row; Rokkaku Middle School had no chance to fight back at all."

Upon seeing Horio return, an excited Katsuro Katsuo eagerly reported the battle situation to Horio.

"That's right, I think this match will be over soon too."

"Are you kidding me? It's still early. That Saeki doesn't look like he'll lose so easily."

On the court, besides the seemingly simple-minded Itsuki, there was another person in the hexagonal doubles.

In other words, Saeki Kojiro did not lose confidence despite losing three points in a row.

"That Saeki was Fuji's old rival before; he'll probably be taking action against Fuji soon."

The third-year regulars knew about the feud between Saeki and Fuji, so the third-year regulars, including Inui, felt that Saeki should start resolving his feud with Fuji.

Hearing Gan's analysis, Horio remained silent, instead looking at the energetic Kikumaru.

"Kikumaru, I've seen your muscle movements clearly. You're not the only one with good dynamic vision on the court."

Saeki, with a serious expression, watched Kikumaru stretching during the break, while the simple-minded Itsuki only found Kikumaru's Special Skill Shot amusing.

"Aki, I'm counting on you to serve."

After giving a simple, honest response, Itsuki returned to the backcourt and served a regular serve.

Kikumaru immediately went online to intercept the attack, determined to strike back Fuji hesitation.

Saeki watched Kikumaru run towards the net, his eyes fixed on Kikumaru.

When they saw Kikumaru had already positioned himself at the net and was preparing to move left or right.

Suddenly his eyes sharpened, and he hit the ball to the left.

At the same time, Kikumaru also moved, but in the opposite direction to the ball.

Bang

"Six points, 15:0"

"Was that just a coincidence? It hit Kikumaru in the opposite direction."

"Saeki should start fighting back."

"Eiji..."

The astute Seigaku regulars immediately noticed something amiss with that last shot and began to worry about Kikumaru.

"Good observation skills. You can't change the instantaneous changes in muscle tone, but how would you deal with this problem? What would you do, Kikumaru?"

When Horio saw Saeki's shot, he thought Saeki's observation skills were pretty good for a middle school student.

I'm also curious how Kikumaru will deal with this style of play that counters his own style.

Bang...

"Hexagonal score, 30:0"

Bang...

"Hexagonal score, 40:0"

Bang...

"Six points scored, score 1:3"

"It seems they need to change their individualistic doubles style."

Kikumaru's Special Skill Shot is agile, even after rigorous training.

He's become much stronger than before, but once the changes in his muscles are known, he'll be no different from a regular tennis player.

Although Horio guessed that Kikumaru had a hidden plan, he must have his reasons for not revealing it.

Based on the current situation, to change the status quo, both players must change their playing style.

"Damn it, he keeps hitting the ball out of my reach, but now's not the time to use that."

"Kikumaru, wait a minute, I'll take over the defense."

Bang...

"Six points, 15:0"

Bang

"Hexagonal score, 30:0"

Although changes have been made, Saeki is determined to target Kikumaru, remains unaffected.

"It's about time Fuji- Senpai made his move."

After changing their doubles strategy, it didn't work against Saeki, Horio thought it was time for Fuji to take over the match.

As Horio pondered, Fuji and Kikumaru on the court exchanged a glance before taking their positions.

As before, Saeki targeted Kikumaru again for going online, Kikumaru didn't make any changes this time either.

Saeki moved in the direction he was supposed to, aiming directly in the opposite direction from Kikumaru.

Seeing Kikumaru miss the tennis ball again, Saeki felt as if he had already scored a point.

Just as Saeki was feeling pleased, a figure suddenly appeared behind the tennis ball.

"I'm really sorry, but doing this only makes the ball easier to catch."

Bang...

"Seigaku's score, 15:30"

"Damn it, I fell for their trick without even realizing it. Fuji, your Swallow Returns to Nest stronger now."

Because Kikumaru is being targeted by Saeki, the ball Saeki hits will definitely be in the opposite direction to Kikumaru's movement.

Therefore, what used to require careful consideration before moving to catch the ball can now be done simply by observing Kikumaru's direction of movement.

"Is that one of Seigaku Fuji Syusuke's three return techniques Swallow Returns to Nest?"

"That move was really flashy; the ball actually glided along the ground after landing."

Those from Rokkaku Middle School who had never witnessed the Swallow Returns to Nest were all stunned by Fuji's Fuji Swallow Returns to Nest.

"What appears most deadly is often the most dangerous."

Seeing Saeki's surprise at having his strategy broken, Horio also sighed.

Bang...

"Seigaku's score: 30:30"

Bang...

"Seigaku's score: 40:30"

"No, we can't keep fighting like this. If we target Kikumaru, Fuji can use his Swallow Returns to Nest."

If they target Fuji, Kikumaru's net Special Skill Shot will be unlocked, making it impossible to win.

After conceding three goals in a row, Saeki began to think of ways to cope.

"Aki, go to the net. I'll tell you which direction to hit the ball, and you hit it in that direction."

Remember, it's that kind of ball.

"Okay, I understand. Leave it to me."

Saeki and Aki then switched places, a move that caught Fuji and Kikumaru somewhat off guard.

However, after adjusting my mindset, I managed to concentrate.

Bang...

"Seigaku scores, score 4-1"

With his serve in hand and game point at hand, Fuji didn't opt for a normal serve, but instead ended the fifth game with Disappearing Serve.

"They actually chose to use the Disappearing Serve; it seems Fuji is finding it a bit tricky."

"A very smart move, not dragging out the match after having game point."

"But this isn't like Senpai Fuji all. It seems like he's under some pressure."